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 The
town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and
natural treasures of the world's heritage.
Paphos, a small charming harbour town, on the west of the island, which
has been, during certain times in antiquity, the capital of Cyprus, has
a history which goes back literally thousands of years, and has always
attracted visitors from the rest of the island and abroad.
From the modern town centre to the picturesque harbour and, stretching
across the coastline, lie innumerable ancient sites, which not surprisingly
have now been included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites.
After all, this is the birthplace and centre of worship of Aphrodite,
the Goddess of Love and Beauty and the whole area retains some of this
magic.
Bordered by a lovely coastline, the Paphos area has charming villages
in its mountains; here life has gone unchanged over the years, where the
customs andtraditions of the country have been kept alive because that
is how it has always been. And in the heartland, are famous monasteries
such as Ayios Neophytos and  Chrysoroyiatissa
with modern day pilgrims.
Tombs of the Kings
Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating
to 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were
buried here or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its
name.
The mosaics of Paphos
House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of
Aion. Kato Paphos, near the harbour.
The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3rd century AD noblemen’s villas,
are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly
depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.
 Paphos
Odeon
A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks.
It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities in 1973-4 and
is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances.
Paphos Castle
Kato Paphos Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour,
it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, then dismantled by
the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against
the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they
captured the island.
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